With Holtby out of contract in the summer, he was free to speak to clubs outside Germany in the January transfer window, and Spurs had already agreed terms with the player himself to move on a free transfer at the end of the season.

However, both clubs were keen to come to an arrangement earlier than that.

Schalke saw little point having a player on their books already thinking about a move elsewhere, whilst Tottenham would of course like their squad to be strengthened as soon as possible.

Bild report that the fee for Holtby is just €1.75 million (approximately £1.5m), which is astonishing value for a Germany international.

The only additional cost for Spurs is that they will play a friendly with Schalke, likely in Gelsenkirchen, and the Bundesliga side will likely take the majority of the proceeds.

Still, it could be one of the most savvy bits of business of the January transfer window, and Holtby could make a real difference in Spurs’ chase of that coveted UEFA Champions League place.

Download the free fanatix app now for iPhone: Sport news, social features and more!
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: